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Community Corner

🌱 Plans for Micro Apartments + Brothers Cleaners Community Outreach

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Raleigh.

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Christina Fullford, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Happy Organize Your Home Day Raleigh!

I recently watched a video online that gave tons of home organization tips. One of the ones that resonated with me involved defining your homes passive vs active spaces. Passive spaces are the spaces you have to go out of your way to whereas active are your convenient locations. I have been purging and going crazy organizing my home. Thankfully I've hit an ok stopping point for now, but It really does feel good to organize your home. Whether you are preparing to declutter your space, or just preparing for a great Saturday, I have everything you need to know about Raleigh below, including:

  • MLK Day observance event features notable speakers.
  • The Geek & Grub Market returns.
  • Learn how and when to apply to speak during the next city council meeting.

But first, today's weather:

Clouds breaking and chilly. High: 44 Low: 28.

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Here are the top five stories today in Raleigh:

  1. State leaders gathered on Friday to observe the federal holiday honoring Martin Luther King Jr. and honor state employees. Governor Roy Cooper joined local leaders to present the John R. Larkins Award. Cooper has been recovering from recent outpatient knee surgery, and this was his first official public appearance in 2023. This was the first of many MLK events that will go through the long weekend. (abc11, WRAL) EPA chief Regan also spoke at the North Carolina King Day observance. (AP News)
  2. Local businessman David Smoot is reportedly looking to create "micro apartments" on Hillsborough Street. The development will replace a single, century-old home that is currently owned by Smoot. The studio apartments would be 160 square feet and are estimated to cost around $1,000 per month. The units will be targeted at students and young professionals. Smoot hopes to begin construction early this summer. (abc11, WRAL)
  3. Brothers Cleaners was devastated by a massive fire seven years ago. After community support helped the family business bounce back, owner Ben Hiker is giving back in a unique way. Brothers Cleaners is now offering to dry clean an interview outfit for anyone who is unemployed, free of charge. The service is inspired by personal experience, after a young man came to interview, feeling uncomfortable in the state of his attire. Hiker says that being able to help people look good largely affects their confidence and it is trying to lead by example in showing more kindness. (Spectrum News 1)
  4. Now that the government's moratorium on foreclosures has been lifted, Raleigh is experiencing one of the highest foreclosure rates in the Triangle. A newly released report from ATTOM shows foreclosure filings are up nearly 150% in Raleigh from 2021 to 2022. On a national level, foreclosure activity has been doubling annually, but is still below pre-pandemic levels. (abc11)
  5. An extra police presence was at Athens Drive High School on Friday, following the discovery of a threat that was scribbled on a desk and shared to social media. The threat simply said "ADHS this is a warning school shooting Jan 13 2023." It was followed by a racial slur. Many students stayed home for safety reasons, and extra security was on campus even though they did not believe the threat was credible. District leaders also spoke of a more recent issue when a similar, nonspecific message was air-dropped to students. (WRAL, WRAL original story)

Today in Raleigh:

  • Bagel Run at Fleet Feet Raleigh (8:00am)
  • Geek & Grub Market at Fred Fletcher Park (11:00am-3:00pm)
  • Live Defiantly Party at Bull City Ciderworks Cary (12:00pm-10:00pm)
  • The ComedyWorx competitive improv comedy show at ComedyWorx (6:00pm-7:30pm)
  • Skywatching at White Deer Park Garner with Raleigh Astronomy Club (6:00pm-8:00pm)

Sunday in Raleigh:

Bonus: Weekend Best Bets (WRAL)

From my notebook:

  • It's Organize Your Home Day and I have spent the last week organizing my home and redefining my space. Along the way, I have been decluttering and giving away so much un-needed stuff. If you're looking to declutter, check out a list that Walter Magazine put together during the pandemic of places to donate stuff in Raleigh.
  • Bond Brothers Brewing announced that they will be opening a taproom in Raleigh. (WRAL Foodie News)
  • Raleigh Hall of Fame 2009 inductee Margaret Rose Murray died on Tuesday. Murray was buried on Friday. (abc11)
  • The next City Council meeting is on January 17. To speak during the public hearing or public comment periods, you must sign up by 5 p.m. on January 16. (City of Raleigh Facebook)

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Events:

Alrighty, you're all good for today! See you all tomorrow for your next update.

— CJ Fullford

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Raleigh Daily? Contact me at raleigh@patch.com

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